Heat exchanging device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a heat exchanging device, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flow device ( 8 ) and at least one collection and/or distribution device. Said collection and/or distribution device comprises at least two moulded parts ( 2, 3 ) and at least two bordering elements, and the moulded parts ( 2, 3 ) form at least two flow paths ( 5, 6 ) for a fluid. Said collection and/or distribution device has a transition region ( 11 ) in at least one section, which at least partially interconnects the flow paths ( 5, 6 ) of the collection and/or distribution device. The moulded parts ( 2, 3 ) come into contact in at least three sections with the flat surfaces thereof.

The present invention relates to a heat exchanging device, in particular for motor vehicles. Heat exchanging devices of this type, for example for air conditioning systems of motor vehicle, are known from the prior art.

These devices have, in the prior art, a multiplicity of throughflow devices for a refrigerant, which resemble flat tubes and at the ends of which collection and/or distribution devices are arranged. In this case, it is known that the multiplicity of throughflow devices are arranged essentially in two planes parallel to one another. For this purpose, the collection and distribution devices have two flow paths separate from one another. In the prior art, these flow paths are produced via flow connections between the two flow paths. There is the problem, in this case, that, on the one hand, this is relatively costly in terms of production and, on the other hand, the heat exchanging devices known from the prior art cannot handle the high pressures sometimes required.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a heat exchanging device which is more cost-effective to produce, as compared with the prior art. This is achieved, according to the invention, by means of the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject matter of the subclaims.

The heat exchanging device according to the invention has at least one throughflow device, preferably a multiplicity of throughflow devices, and at least one collection and/or distribution device. In this case, the collection and/or distribution device has at least two moldings and, if appropriate, advantageously also at least one or two delimiting elements. The moldings in this case form at least two flow paths for a fluid.

Advantageously, in one exemplary embodiment, the collection and/or distribution device has, at least in one section, a transition region which connects at least two flow paths of the collection and/or distribution device at least partially to one another. In this case, the moldings are in contact with one another over a large area in at least three sections.

A molding is understood in this context to mean a modular unit which has a predetermined form.

A delimiting element is understood, within the scope of the present invention, to mean an element or a device which serves for demarcating or delimiting a further device, such as, for example a collection and/or distribution device.

Connection to one another is understood to mean a connection such that a liquid and/or gaseous fluid, such as, for example, a refrigerant, can flow through this connection. Contact over a large area is understood to mean that contact not only occurs in a punctiform manner in individual regions, but in a continuous region, for example along a line which has a finite width.

In a preferred embodiment, the moldings are produced from a material which is selected from a group of materials having aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, bronze, copper, copper alloys and the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the moldings are essentially mirror-symmetrical at least along a longitudinal axis. This means that, in geometric terms, the moldings are essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis. This is a plane which lies essentially perpendicularly to a plane spanned by the two flow paths. Essentially mirror-symmetrical is understood to mean that, in considering the symmetry, minor irregularities or even projections and recesses remain ignored.

In a further preferred embodiment, the sections which are in contact with one another are spaced apart spatially from one another. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one molding has edge projections which at least partially fix a second molding in at least one predetermined position. In this case, preferably, the second molding may have recesses into which the projections engage. The projections thus serve for fixing the two moldings with respect to one another, in order then, in a further step, finally to fix a position prefixed in this way.

In a further preferred embodiment, the collection and/or distribution device has at least one inner and one outer molding. This is to be understood to the effect that, during assembly or during prefixing, one molding, at least in one section of its outer walls, engages into or comes into contact with at least one section of the inner walls of the second molding. This is explained below in connection with the figures.

In a further preferred embodiment, the individual moldings may also have bores which likewise serve for prefixing. In this case, preferably, the bores are arranged in such a way that, for example, an essentially elongate article can be led through the two bores and the moldings can thereby be fixed with respect to one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, the delimiting elements close off at least one flow path of the collecting tube in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner. That is to say, essentially no liquid and/or gas can flow past the delimiting element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the moldings have recesses for the at least partial reception of flat tubes which are at a predetermined angle with respect to the main direction of extent of the collecting tubes. In this case, the recesses may possess any desired geometric cross section, for example rectangular, elliptic, generally polygonal or mixed forms of these. In addition, the recesses may have additional shaped-out portions which serve, for example, as an introduction slope for the flat tubes. The predetermined angle of the individual throughflow devices or flat tubes is between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 30° and particularly preferably between 0° and 10°.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transition regions which connect the flow paths of the collecting tube at least partially to one another have any desired geometric cross sections which are selected from a group of cross sections which are polygonal, circular or elliptic or have mixed forms of these cross sections.

In a further preferred embodiment, the moldings have at least three connection regions, within which at least two moldings are connected in a nonpositive, positive and/or materially integral manner. These are preferably those sections in which the moldings are in contact with one another over a large area.

In a further preferred embodiment, the flow paths of the collecting tubes have, in cross section, a form which is essentially circular, drop-shaped, polygonal, elliptic, mixed forms of these or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment, the connection region of the moldings is at least partially thermally decoupled between the flow paths.

In a further preferred embodiment, in the region of the transition regions, the connection region of the moldings is interrupted between the flow paths.

In a further preferred embodiment, the moldings have, in cross section, an essentially W-shaped or ω-shaped configuration.

In this case, preferably, the edges located within a flow path are at least partially rounded.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transition region, at least in one section, is rotated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the collection or distribution device at a predetermined angle. This angle is between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 75°, particularly preferably between 30° and 60° and, in particular, about 45°. This means that the flow direction of the refrigerant in this section runs at the predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

In a further preferred embodiment, the moldings have, at least in the region of reception of the delimiting elements, recesses into which the-delimiting elements at least partially engage. Preferably, delimiting elements can be essentially pushed into these recesses.

In a further preferred embodiment, a multiplicity of throughflow devices extend between two collection and/or distribution devices. In this case, preferably, the multiplicity of throughflow devices are arranged on at least two planes essentially parallel to one another. It is also within the scope of the invention, however, to arrange the multiplicity of throughflow devices in more than two planes essentially parallel to one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, a multiplicity of flat tubes are arranged on at least one collection and/or distribution device, and at least two flow paths of the collection and/or distribution device are hydraulically connected to one another by means of the multiplicity of throughflow devices or flat tubes. For this purpose, the throughflow devices have at least one bent or curved section. In this embodiment, preferably, only two collection and/or distribution devices overall are provided.

Within the preferred embodiment, the thermal decoupling of the flow paths is brought about by means of at least one partial recess in the connection region of the moldings between the flow paths. In this case, however, this recess may also extend along essentially the entire length of the collection and/or distribution device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the surfaces of the moldings and/or structural parts of the device are coated with solder.

The invention is aimed, furthermore, at a method for producing a heat exchanging device, in particular for motor vehicles, which has at least one throughflow device or flat tube and at least one collection and/or distribution device.

In this case, in a first step, the moldings are assembled to form a collection and/or distribution device and are subsequently fixed. Thereafter, in further steps, the remaining structural parts are assembled and fixed. Finally, the moldings and/or structural parts are connected to one another in a materially integral manner.

Preferably, the fixing of the moldings is brought about by deforming of the projections of at least one molding.

The invention is aimed, furthermore, at a device for the air conditioning of the air conducted into a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle, said device having at least one compressor, one evaporator, one expansion valve and one cooler, at least one evaporator and/or cooler having a device of the type described above.

Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention may be gathered from the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a partial illustration of a heat exchanging device according to the invention in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through a collection and/or distribution device according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a molding for a heat exchanging device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the molding for a heat exchanging device according to the invention from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an illustration along the line A-A in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of a further molding for a heat exchanging device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows an illustration along the line A-A in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a partial illustration of the heat exchanging device according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a further illustration of the heat exchanging device according to the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a heat exchanging device according to the invention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a partial illustration of a molding in a further embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a further partial illustration of the molding from FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a view along the lines A-A in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a view along the lines B-B in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 shows a collection and/or distribution device for a heat exchanging device according to the invention in the dismantled state;

FIG. 16 shows a collection and/or distribution device in a further embodiment for a heat exchanging device according to the invention.

In FIG. 1, reference symbol 1 refers to a collection and/or distribution device for a heat exchanging device according to the invention.

The latter has a first molding 2, in this case a bottom, and a second molding 3, a cover. The first molding 2 is designated hereafter as the bottom and the second molding 3 as the cover.

Reference symbol 4 refers to brackets which are attached to the cover 3 and serve for prefixing to the bottom. In the present embodiment, the bottom lies on the inside and the cover lies on the outside. Conversely, however, the bottom could lie on the outside and the cover lie on the inside. Moreover, the brackets could also be arranged on the bottom instead of on the cover, or some of the brackets could be arranged on the cover and others on the bottom.

Receptacles or reception devices 7 for the reception of throughflow devices or flat tubes 8 are provided in the bottom 3. These reception devices may have any desired form preferably adapted to the geometry of the throughflow devices. The twisting of the end sections 9 of the throughflow devices 8 serves as a tube stop. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Reference symbol 13 refers to a punched-out portion or recess in the bottom 2 and/or in the cover 3 which serves for thermal separation. Reference symbol 11 designates an overflow duct or a connection between the left and the right flow path in FIG. 1. Partitions 10 serve for closing the collection and/or distribution devices.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the collection and/or distribution device from FIG. 1. In this case, reference symbols 5 and 6 refer to the two flow ducts of the collection and/or distribution device which have a predetermined hydraulic diameter. In the illustration shown here, the bottom 2 and the cover 3 are in contact with one another over a large area in three regions, to be precise in the middle along the vertical line depicted and in each case in the right and the left edge in FIG. 2. Reference symbol 4 identifies a projection or bracket which serves for prefixing the bottom with respect to the cover.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom 2 for a heat exchanging device according to the invention. In this case, in particular, the punched-out portion 13 for thermal separation and the transition region 11 are shown. The punched-out portion is not provided along the entire length of the bottom here, but only in the region between one end of the bottom and the connection 11. Thermal separation has particularly great importance especially in this region, since, in the region downstream of the supply of the refrigerant, the temperature of the refrigerant changes very sharply and quickly during throughflow.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the cover 2 from FIG. 3 in order to illustrate the geometry. In the present embodiment, the transition region is arranged at an angle of 45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cover and consequently of the collection and/or distribution device.

The reception devices for the throughflow devices have an elongate configuration here, and the longitudinal direction lies essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bottom.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration along the line A-A in FIG. 3. Here, in particular, the transition region 11 is shown. The transition region 11 is formed by a corresponding shaped-out portion of the bottom 14. Reference symbol 7 refers to the reception devices for the throughflow devices.

FIG. 6 shows a cover device 3 for a heat exchanging device according to the invention. Reference symbol 4 identifies projections or brackets which serve for prefixing to the bottom device 2. Reference symbol 12 identifies two partitions which are arranged in the two flow paths and serve for preventing the throughflow of the refrigerant along the longitudinal direction of the collection and/or distribution device. Further partitions 10 are arranged at the end of the collection and/or distribution device.

FIG. 7 shows a view along the lines A-A from FIG. 6. The cover 3, too, has a recess or shaped-out portions 15 in the region of the transition region.

FIG. 8 shows a heat exchanging device according to the invention in order to illustrate the flow paths for the refrigerant. The refrigerant passes via a supply (not shown) into the region, identified by 16, for the collection and/or distribution device 1. In this region, the refrigerant can be distributed between the lower end of the collection and/or distribution device and the partition 12. The refrigerant passes via the throughflow devices 8, between which preferably cooling ribs 38 are arranged, into the lower collection and/or distribution device 1 a or into the region 17 a of the latter. The refrigerant can be distributed there along the entire length of the lower collection and/or distribution device or the flow path, illustrated on the right in the figure, or region 17 a.

The refrigerant, then, flows via the throughflow devices 8 into the region 18 of the upper collection and/or distribution device 1. The refrigerant passes from there via the transition region 11 into the section 19 of the collection and/or distribution device 1. This section extends essentially between the partition 12 on the left in the figure and the lower end of the collection and/or distribution device 1. The fluid passes from there via the throughflow devices 8 into the region 17 b, shown on the left in the figure, of the collection and/or distribution device 1. The fluid can again be distributed here along the entire longitudinal direction of the flow path, that is to say of the collection and distribution device. Finally, the refrigerant passes via the throughflow devices 8 into section 20 and finally flows out of the heat exchanging device via a discharge (not shown).

FIG. 9 shows a further possibility for the routing of the medium, that is to say of the refrigerant, within the heat exchanging device. In this case, the refrigerant flows through the device first completely in the lower region, that is to say through all the throughflow devices in both planes below the partitions 12. Finally, the refrigerant is routed via the connection 11 into the upper region of the device and subsequently runs again through the entire device in this upper region.

For this purpose, the collection and/or distribution device 1′ shown in FIG. 9 also has partitions (not shown).

FIG. 10 shows the heat exchanging device according to the invention in a further preferred embodiment.

In this embodiment, the device has only one collection and/or distribution device 1 with two flow paths. The throughflow devices 8 have a curved region 8 a. The refrigerant flows, here, from the flow path shown on the right in the figure into the flow path on the left. This device has partitions (not shown) which are located at the points identified by reference symbols 33 and 34. In addition, a transition region 11 is provided which connects the two flow paths to one another. The run of the refrigerant in the device shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to that in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further top view of the collection and/or distribution device. In this embodiment, the reception devices are not arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the collection and/or distribution device 1, but at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction. Reference symbol 13 identifies the recess which serves for the thermal separation of the two regions 5 and 6 of the collection and/or distribution device 1. The cover has projections 4 which serve for prefixing the cover device with respect to the bottom.

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of a detail of a heat exchanging device according to the invention. In this case, here, the reception devices 7 are again essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the collection and/or distribution device 1.

FIG. 13 shows an illustration along the lines A-A from FIG. 12. It can be seen that the recess 7 is countersunk with respect to the bottom 2.

FIG. 14 shows a section through the collection and/or distribution device from FIG. 12 along the line B-B. In this case, the essentially W-shaped or Ω-shaped configuration of the bottom becomes apparent.

FIG. 15 shows the collection and/or distribution device 1 a, for example, according to FIG. 8, here the cover and the bottom having been separated from one another in order to allow an internal view. A plurality of push-in devices 44 are provided, into which partitions 12 can be pushed. Reference symbol 10 refers to a closing-off device which closes off the heat exchanging device downwardly and upwardly.

FIG. 16 shows an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a heat exchanging device according to the invention in a view into the interior. In this case, reference symbols 21, 22, 23 and 24 identify the different flow regions of the throughflow device. The partitions 12 in this case subdivide the regions 23 and 24 and 21 and 23. Reference symbol 25 identifies a projection serving for forming the transition region 11, along which a routing of the refrigerant between the regions 21 and 22 is possible. The device may have one or even a multiplicity of such transition regions. In this case, the device 25 and the device 25′ cooperate in order to bring about the actual routing of the refrigerant. As already stated above, this connection may have any desired cross section or have any desired angle with respect to the flow ducts or to the regions 21, 22, 23 and 24. In a further preferred embodiment, however, such projection parts 25, 25 for the flow connection may also be arranged either only on the cover or only on the bottom. Further, it is also possible to produce the flow connection in such a way that two partitions lying parallel to one another and having orifices are pushed into the collection and/or distribution device.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover and the bottom are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to one another in a plane which runs perpendicularly through all the contact surfaces.

Furthermore, it is also possible to route the refrigerant through the heat exchanging device in another way, that is to say to provide a plurality of transition regions or else a plurality of flow paths arranged one behind the other. Thus, the throughflow devices could also be arranged in more than two planes parallel to one another. The throughflow for the heat exchange may take place both from the top downward and from the bottom upward.

The supply and discharge for the refrigerant may either both be arranged on one collection and/or distribution device or also be arranged in different collection and/or distribution devices.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show further exemplary embodiments, FIG. 17 illustrating a collection and distribution device 100, such as, for example, a collecting tube, in section. In this case, the collection and distribution device 100 is composed of two moldings 101 and 102, the two moldings bearing one against the other over a large area at at least three surfaces and countersurfaces. Two ducts 103, 104 are formed between the two moldings 101, 102. Partitions 110 are inserted into the moldings 101 and/or 102 into slots, in order to guide or prevent a fluid stream within the collection and distribution device. In this case, one molding 101 at least partially surrounds the other molding 102 by means of its end regions or by means of brackets 105, 106 arranged or integrally formed thereon.

Furthermore, the molding 101 has introduced into it slots into which tube ends are inserted, so as to be in fluid communication with the interior of the collection and distribution device. The ends of the tubes 120 are inserted into these slots or orifices, the ends being twisted for this purpose so that they are inserted perpendicularly into the slots.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17 in a view without the cover 102. The tube ends 121 are introduced into the vertically oriented slots. Overflow from one duct 130 into the other duct 131 takes place through an essentially transversely running duct 140, and the ducts in each case running vertically are blocked by two partitions 141, 142.

FIG. 18 shows a view of a corresponding collecting tube, the duct, as an overflow region 140 a, being formed by a vaulting in at least one of the two moldings of the collection and distribution device, in which case the vaulting may be provided either in the cover 102 or in the bottom 101 or in both moldings, and, furthermore, two reinforced partitions 141 a, 142 a are provided for blocking the vertical ducts. 

1. A heat exchanging device, in particular for motor vehicles, with at least one throughflow device and at least one collection and/or distribution device, the collection and/or distribution device forming at least two moldings and the moldings forming at least two flow paths for a fluid, wherein the moldings are in contact with one another over a large area in at least three sections.
 2. A heat exchanging device, in particular for motor vehicles, with at least one throughflow device and at least one collection and/or distribution device, the collection and/or distribution device having at least two moldings and, if appropriate, at least one or two delimiting elements, and the moldings forming at least two flow paths for a fluid, wherein the collection and/or distribution device has, at least in one section, a transition region which connects the flow paths of the collection and/or distribution device at least partially to one another, and the moldings are in contact with one another over a large area in at least three sections.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the moldings are produced from a material which is selected from a group of materials having aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, iron alloys, bronze, copper, copper alloys and the like.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moldings are essentially mirror-symmetrical at least along a longitudinal axis.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sections which are in contact with one another are spaced apart spatially from one another.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one molding has edge projections which at least partially fix a second molding in at least one predetermined position.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collection and/or distribution device has at least one inner and one outer molding.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the delimiting elements close at least one flow path of the collection and/or distribution device in a gas-tight and/or liquid-tight manner.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moldings have reception devices for the at least partial reception of flat tubes which are at a predetermined angle with respect to the main direction of extent of the collecting tubes.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moldings have at least three connection regions, within which at least two moldings are connected in a nonpositive, positive and/or materially integral manner.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow paths of the collection and/or distribution device have, in cross section, a form which is essentially circular, drop-shaped, polygonal, elliptic, mixed forms and/or the like.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection region of the moldings is at least partially thermally decoupled between the flow paths.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the region of the transition regions, the connection region of at least one molding is interrupted between the flow paths.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moldings have, in cross section, an essentially W-shaped or ω-shaped configuration.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the edges located within a flow path are rounded.
 16. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transition region is arranged so as to be rotated about its longitudinal axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the collecting tube at a predetermined angle which is between 0° and 90°, preferably between 15° and 75°, particularly preferably between 30° and 60° and, in particular, about 45°.
 17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moldings have, at least in the region of reception of the delimiting elements, recesses into which the delimiting elements at least partially engage.
 18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multiplicity of flat tubes extend between two collection and/or distribution devices in each case with two flow paths.
 19. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multiplicity of flat tubes are arranged on a collecting tube and connect at least two flow paths of the collecting tube hydraulically to one another.
 20. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherien the thermal decoupling of the flow paths is brought about by means of at least one partial recess in the connection region of the moldings between the flow paths.
 21. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surfaces of the moldings and structural parts of the device are coated with solder.
 22. A method for producing a heat exchanging device, in particular for motor vehicles, with at least one flat tube and at least one collecting tube, having the steps assembly of the moldings to form a collecting tube fixing of the moldings assembly of the remaining structural parts and their fixing connection, in particular materially integral connection of the moldings and structural parts.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fixing of the moldings is brought about by deforming of the projections of at least one molding.
 24. A device for the air conditioning of the air conducted into a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle, with at least one compressor, one evaporator, one expansion valve and one cooler, at least one evaporator and/or cooler being a device as claimed in claim
 1. 25. The device as claimed in claim 24, wherein a housing of a ventilation, heating or air conditioning system receives the cooler and, if appropriate, has further elements, such as air flow paths or air stream control elements. 